DESCRIPTION
Protein contains 16% nitrogen which the
body eliminates in the urine as urea. In cases where liver or kidney function
is impaired, ammonia or toxic nitrogen metabolites may build up in the blood.
These toxins contribute to kidney disease and may produce behavioral changes
such as delusions, psychosis and hallucinations. The Low Protein Diet is
designed to reduce these nitrogen metabolites and ammonia in individuals with
toxic bowel, liver disease or kidney failure. In order to achieve these
objectives, dietary protein must be limited to 0.6 gram/kg (2.2 lbs) of body
weight or about 40 to 50 grams per day.
The Protein Restricted Diet is useful for
the management of liver and chronic kidney diseases. For optimal results
protein-rich foods should be consumed throughout the day rather than at one
meal.
The Low Protein Diet is deficient in
protein and can result in muscle wasting. This is a consequence of muscle
protein being broken down to provide amino acids to the body for daily use.
This diet may also be low in iron, calcium, thiamine (Vitamin B-1), riboflavin
(Vitamin B-2), and niacin (Vitamin B-3) and so a nutritional supplement may be
necessary to prevent deficiency.
SAMPLE MENU FOR ONE DAY
Breakfast
1 orange |
1 egg or egg substitute |
1/2 cup rice or creamed cereal |
1 slice whole wheat bread (toasted) |
1/2 tablespoon margarine or butter |
1/2 cup whole milk |
Hot, non-caloric beverage |
|
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
Lunch
1 ounce sliced turkey breast |
1/2 cup steamed broccoli |
1 slice whole wheat bread |
1/2 tablespoon margarine or butter |
1 apple |
1/2 cup gelatin dessert |
1 cup grape juice |
Hot, non-caloric beverage |
1 tablespoon sugar (optional) |
|
Mid-Afternoon Snack
6 squares salt-free soda crackers |
1/2 tablespoon margarine or butter |
1 to 2 tablespoons jelly |
1/2 cup apple juice |
Dinner
1/2 cup tomato juice |
1 ounce beef liver |
1 baked potato |
1 teaspoon margarine or butter
(optional) |
1/2 cup steamed spinach |
1 slice whole wheat bread |
1/3 cup sherbet |
4 apricot halves |
Hot, non-caloric beverage |
|
Evening Snack
1 banana
Nutrient Content
Calories: 1850
Protein: 8%
Carbohydrates: 60%
Fat: 32%
Cholesterol: 380 mg
Fiber: 15 g
FOOD EXCHANGE MENU
Bread and Cereal Exchange List:
6 or more servings per day
Recommended:
Gelatin Popcorn
Potatoes Sweet potato
Baked goods made with low protein
flour or wheat starch
Avoid:
High protein baked goods and
cereals
Beans (dried)
Green peas and lentils
Fat Exchange List:
unlimited
Recommended:
All
Avoid: None
Fruit Exchange List:
3 or more servings per day
Recommended:
Fresh, frozen, canned or dried fruits,
both whole and juice
Avoid: None
Meat and Meat Substitute Exchange
List:
3 servings per day
Recommended: All meats may be coated with
flour or wheat starch and fired to increase caloric content
Avoid: None
Milk Exchange List:
1/2 serving per day
Recommended:
Cream or whole milk, to increase
calories
Avoid: Skim milk or milk (2% fat)
Vegetable Exchange List:
2 servings per day
Recommended:
Fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables, both
whole and juice
Avoid: None
Note:
Be sure to include 6 to 8 cups of fluids,
such as water, per day. |